Earlier today, Apple CEO Tim Cook and his successor, John Ternus held a virtual meeting with the Minister-President of Bavaria, Markus Söder. Here are the details.
Job creation and EU overregulation are among the topics likely to be discussed
In a post shared on X, Söder is photographed in front of a large screen showing a bespectacled John Ternus during a session attended by Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Matt Browne, the company’s head of European Government Affairs and Global Insights.
In the post, Söder said he had “good discussions” with Cook and Ternus about Apple’s presence and continued investment in Bavaria.
Interestingly, Söder’s post also raised concerns about over-regulation of AI and data protection, echoing Apple’s criticism of EU rules that it says are delaying the introduction of the new Siri AI in the bloc.
Answer from Söder:
“Excessive regulation, for example in AI and data protection, must not lead us to be cut off from technological progress. We want to shape the future, not just watch it happen.”
Although Söder stands by his confirmation that the matter was discussed at the meeting, the timing is remarkable. A few days ago, Cook reportedly held a virtual meeting with EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen as Apple and the bloc sought a way forward in their dispute over the delay in the launch of Siri AI in Europe.
After Söder’s post, he said that “Apple and Bayern are two powerful brands in the world,” and added that “Apple now has more than 2000 jobs” in Munich.
You can read his full post below:
Silicon Valley meets Bavaria: Apple and Bayern are two of the strongest brands in the world. I had great conversations today with @apple CEO @tim_cook and his successor John Ternus. Bayern is considered the Silicon Valley of Europe. We are proud that global players like #Apple, as well as young startups, are investing and growing with us. In Munich, Apple now has more than 2000 jobs. Our #HightechAgenda pays off in full: We’re home to high tech. The “Bavarian way of life” combines high technology and the countryside. That sounds good in other countries too. Bayern says yes to technology and the future – because that protects jobs and helps create at home. The EU must also remember this: Excessive regulation, for example in AI and data protection, must not lead us to be cut off from technological progress. We want to shape the future, not just watch it happen._
What do you make of Söder’s comments about EU overregulation? Let us know in the comments.
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